18 July - Monday --- posted

wow... highlights of the past week plus -

..hearing (watching) first night of the proms on TV -- and able to hear any and all other pm concerts live on BBC Radio3. How cool is that....and really hope to get to one before I leave.

... outdoors is not only used, but enjoyed - even when it is a bit 'fresh' (translation "brisk" or "coolish" or "chilly").  This is seen in the number of outdoor tables at the small cafes, and that they are often full before the inside... and the number of picnickers - on benches and park lawns everywhere - and the benches are numerous (unlike the US),  though the picnic may be encouraged by the lack of VAT on take-away - items are 20% cheaper take-away!

... was outdoors myself a lot.  Went to Kew Gardens.  Have been before so went to my 'favs' rather than look at everything.  I think the waterlily house is fabulous - as is the temperate house.  Last visit some of the buildings were under construction. All is now finished, and looks grand. (the construction has moved to every major road in London - hurry up work for the Olympics next summer - and who knows if it will be done in time? that is not me - that's locals, including the radio)

..day trip to Brighton. I chose to go on this last Friday, which turned out to be the sunniest and warmest day for several weeks (sat & sunday it rained torrents on & off all day). Strolled from the train station to the shore (downhill all the way - meaning home at the end of the day would be UPhill all the way) and had planned to see the two big sights and whatever else was interesting. (music shop on the MAIN drag, and looked - different ideas about beginning pedagogy...) Natch I strolled to the end of the pier -- think Navy Pier w. everything outside plus carney games & rides for the kids. In addition to doing the fish & chip thing (and also wagering a few bob in their pinballs, don't understand the system at all!!) toured the fantastical arabian outside/chinese inside of Brighton Palace (built by the oldest son of George III - of American Rev. times) Did you realize (I certainly didn't) that only this one gent, George IV, who wasn't king very long, was between George III, who I think of as long ago and far away because he was American Revolution - and Queen Victoria, who I think of as moving into the modern....oh my goodness...-

.. my own Canterbury pilgrimage - more easily by train than donkey. Beautiful cathedral -- rainy day. Again, the train lets you out a easy 6 min walk to the cathedral through a park, and then a pedestrian shopping street. Rickey is good on Canterbury for the restaurants and the cathedral. He now offers downloads for ipod; I can't do on the road, but will check it out before next trip. Saw yarn, resisted... and/but did find a lovely pair of clark's sandals - and on a great sale. Looked because of the sale, but wouldn't have bought if didn't fit well - correction - GREAT.

.. and then I committed yarn !!! I knew I would do this, and did -- repeatedly.... This past weekend, 16-17, was Knit Nation, a two day yarn/knitting love fest which was held right here at Imperial College. There were some very interesting classes, which unfortunately filled before I even knew about the event. Also interesting, people came not only from all over the UK, but other - met a knitter from Norway, a number from Germany, Austria - and they (unlike me) had come specifically for Knit Nation, and were going home for Monday work. Got to meet a dyer I've internet known for years, Natalie of Yarn Yard, (she's from scotland) and see, and more importantly feel, the work/yarn of dozens of independent spinners/dyers. I took notes, and all will ship to the US. One, from southern France, does all her dying w/ plants - and another has natural wool from different breeds of sheep - the wool IS different. I was charmed, and wished that my suitcase was bigger, and Bob was still here for customs coverage! As said, met lots of wonderful folk, and we traded Ravelry names (think facebook for knitters), and sat and knitted. Wonderful, wonderful -- (and thursday night I go knit some more with a few of them at a local yarn shop!)

.. and after that wonderful weekend, there had to be the 'gee whiz' factor, which came this morning at 6 am in the form of our third fire alarm in 2 weeks - false, all of them, but I'd rather get up slowly?

TODAY...TODAY....Heard from one of the knitters that there is a one day fiber thing at V&A, so I will check that out. I have updated this blog - and will get pictures on tonight. And for the rest of it? Find buttons for my sweater (virtually finished!) - read - finale - and seeing a movie. Another perfect day..

hope yours is equally wonderful.

Got a box this morning at breakfast to send home some yarn. ?then do I get to buy more?